Utilities

Distributed generation

Small wind turbines can generate electricity for use on the farm, business and home. Wind turbines can co-exist easily with other farming practices, and have been used for decades on European farms. There is a wide range of turbines suitable for use in New Zealand, ranging from micro-scale to larger commercial-scale systems. This guide to wind power schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

By reducing their electricity needs and installing two small wind turbines, owners of this Canterbury tourist lodge have eliminated their power bill - and they're getting paid for the excess electricity they generate.

This report reviews the installation of small-scale renewable electricity generation systems on five islands around New Zealand, on Department of Conservation bases. The report reviews the economics and performance of the systems, the potential benefits that accrue from switching from diesel-fuelled generation to systems incorporating photovoltaic modules and micro hydro units, and sensitivity analysis to test the economics under a number of scenarios.

There is a lot of potential for small-scale hydro schemes on New Zealand rivers, streams and even irrigation systems. Hydro power is one of the cheapest ways of generating electricity on a small-scale. Small schemes (typically less than 10MW) also have less environmental impact than large ones. This guide to small-scale hydro schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

‘Biogas' - gas produced during the breakdown of organic matter - can be harnessed and used to provide heat, electricity and transport fuel. Biogas schemes help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deal more effectively with effluent disposal on farms. This guide to biogas schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

Cogeneration (or combined heat and power) can be a good solution for sites with a significant heat and electricity demand. This study looks at the feasibility of cogeneration and the Craigpine sawmill in Winton.

Connecting to the electricity network was not a viable option for a luxury lodge in the Waihopai Valley, in Marlborough.Instead, the owners of this exclusive tourist destination saw the opportunity to install a hydro generator to power their first-class guest experience with clean renewable electricity

This guide has been produced by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in response to ongoing requests for information on micro-generation from the public. It is intended to provide guidance to both home and business owners who are interested in generating their own electricity, but need more information before going ahead. It is directed at the layperson who already has some basic knowledge of micro-generation.

This report was commissioned by EECA and prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. The report focuses on geothermal, hydro and wind projects in the range of 10 kW to 20 MW. The report makes developers aware of the range of issues that need to be addressed at the early stages of such projects, up until the point when developers typically seek tender submissions for detailed design and equipment supply.